Should you throw a traditional, sugar filled Halloween party for your kids? Or do you think serving healthy food is the way to go, despite kids’ protests? Why not meet in the middle? As a Vegan, I’m all for healthy eating. Still, there’s something to be said for letting kids celebrate Halloween with a few yummy edibles that aren’t exactly super-foods. Here’s some ideas you and your kids can both be happy with.
There’s an apple under that candy.
Caramel apples are one of the best things about Halloween parties. If you think about it, they’re not so bad either. After all, there is an apple under that caramel. Beef up the healthy by rolling caramel apples in walnuts too. They’re full of Omega 3. (Make sure none of the party guests have allergies.) Kids will at least get a few bites of fruit with their candy, so why not let them have it? Halloween only comes one day a year.
Healthy cookies are a Halloween hit.
Make cookies that taste like treats but hold healthy surprises. Adding raisins, dates, oatmeal and such to Halloween cookies ups their nutritional value. You can also add fruit and veggies. Try shredded carrots, sweet potatoes, cranberries and zucchini. They’re absolutely delicious baked into cookies. Plus, kids love them!
What about the chocolate?
Oh boy! Chocolate runs rampant on Halloween, doesn’t it? True, recent studies have found that chocolate is high in antioxidants. Problem is, most of the popular candy bars don’t contain the type of chocolate that’s healthy. So, maybe instead of those traditional candy bars, you could drizzle your healthy cookies with a small amount of that pricey stuff?
Dip it and dunk it.
Get those healthy fruits into your kids’ Halloween diet with a little unhealthy dip. Cut fruit slices can be dipped and dunked in plain old runny dark chocolate syrup. A lot of the chocolate will roll off, leaving kids with fruit and just a hint of chocolatey goodness.
Kids like most fruit.
They’re especially fond of berries. Why not cut some up to eat plain as well? While you’re at it, cut up some veggies. They may just eat them, who knows? They sure won’t eat them if you don’t even try.
Serve veggie pizza.
It’s a sure way to get kids to eat their veggies to offset Halloween candy. What kid doesn’t like pizza? That pizza will call to them. Go light on or omit the cheese for a more nutritious option.
What about those giant trick or treat bags?
Halloween party aside, Is your kid lugging home tons of candy on Halloween? Since fear of tampering omits homemade treats, it’s a likely scenario. What can you do about it? Well, you can freeze the candy and dole it out a few pieces at a time. If you can keep from eating it yourself, it’s a good way to go. Another idea is to donate the candy to a shelter or food bank. Sure, other kids will eat it, but not in such vast quantities.
More from Jaipi:
Is Celebrating Halloween with Kids Sinful?
When Kids Play Pranks on Halloween
Kids Eating Halloween Candy Too Fast? What to Do